Grand Staircase-Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour

Duration
3-8 Hours
Audio Points
92
Tour Stops
31

About The Tour

Considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 connects two national parks and passes three state parks and Dixie National Forest, with portions running through Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. But that’s not all! This road trip spotlights the unique history and geology of the ...

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Considered one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 connects two national parks and passes three state parks and Dixie National Forest, with portions running through Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument.

But that’s not all! This road trip spotlights the unique history and geology of the region. Shaka Guide’s Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 tour takes you from Zion to Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef (or in reverse) with stops at hikes, overlooks, forests, parks, and quaint towns in between.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour!

-Visit Bryce Canyon National Park for its iconic hoodoos and otherworldly landscapes that will leave you in awe.
-Stop at Escalante Petrified Forest State Park to marvel at ancient petrified wood and enjoy stunning lake views.
-Drive Hell’s Backbone Scenic Byway, a thrilling route offering jaw-dropping cliffs and panoramic vistas.
-Hike in Dixie National Forest, where towering pines and vibrant wildflowers create the perfect escape into nature.
-Explore the charming town of Torrey, Utah, a gateway to Capitol Reef National Park with local art and cozy eateries.

Sample Tour Audio

Route 89: The Heritage Highway
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John Atlantic Burr
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Let's Talk About Rocks!
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Tour Stops

Head Of The Rocks Overlook
Moqui Cave
The Belly Of The Dragon
Red Canyon State Park
Bryce Canyon City
Mossy Cave Trail
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
Escalante Heritage Center
Dinosaur Tracks Trailhead
The Hogback
Boulder
Dixie National Forest
Torrey

Tour Route


Customer Reviews

(76489)

Loved it

Very informative and accurate GPS tracking. We did the Utah loop and Escalante & Bypass 12 tour. You have a personal tour guide that goes on at your pace. Looking forward to many more trips with shaka guide. Well worth the money. We enjoyed uncle Shaka voice more than the female narrator. The female voice felt like little kids story telling with too much animation. Our teenage kids couldn’t stand it. Adults had the same opinion but not as strong as teenage kids. Development team could work on features where users can choose a narrator for a specific tour. Shouldn’t be too difficult with AI tools😉.

Rollypollymama | 2 months ago | iOS

Very good

We used Shaka guide for Hawái and Utah and it was amazing. Shaka guide added insight about landmarks that we passed and really made us immersed in the expierence.

Briicabtthunk | 4 months ago | iOS

Shaka for The Win!

We started with Shaka on The Big Island… then Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. Then Utah Mighty Five , Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, etc. Shaka is the formula for us & a great trip. I take care of the lodging and travel while Shaka takes care of (most of 😁) the on-site itinerary again and again. Can’t wait to see where we all go next.

Cap'n Buckeye | 7 months ago | iOS

We discovered Shaka in Kauai and enjoyed everything about it, we have done Maui and the big Island and just started in Utah and Wyoming. I recommend this to everyone I talk to about road trips. The tours are informative, fun and keep the pace up for the day. Having different options and owning the tours is great. If we miss something, we can always do the tour again!

Laura Lanning | 9 months ago | Android

Excellent guide!

My family has used Shaka Guide in Arizona, California, Washington, Utah and Virginia. We enjoy the history and the helpful hints in each park. We recommend the audio tours to all our fellow National Park travelers.

C. Mabli | 10 months ago | iOS

Utah Mighty Five National Parks- Amazingly informative and entertaining

Well worth it! Don’t hesitate to purchase these. Amazingly informative and worth every penny. We bought the tours for the Mighty Five parks in Utah. But, we will definitely be investing in any other tours they offer for places we travel.

Marksarahmom | 11 months ago | iOS

Exceptional

The guides are a true gem. I’ve used them in Hawaii (Oahu and the Big Island), California (Yosemite), Arizona (Grand Canyon), and Utah (Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase, and Bryce Canyon). They fun and informative, and have been the key to outstanding trips in all locations!

Wonder and Wander | 1 year ago | iOS

Incredible!

This added so much to our visit to volcano national park! So easy to follow along and super entertaining and educational. I will be buying the big park package because we live in Utah and we will be taking more tours this summer! Thanks! Incredibly well thought out and executed!

Dneenk1 | 1 year ago | iOS

Shaka Guides always great!

We have used Shaka Guides now on three Hawaiian Islands, Utah and Colorado. It is always reliable and we feel fortunate to use it as a tool for trip planning and a guide to some of the most amazing scenic views available on earth. Also, as a history buff, I love the historical and cultural stories. Thanks again Shaka guides!!

sg720 | 1 year ago | iOS

Greatly Enhances Your Experience!

Been traveling Southern Utah and visiting the “Big 5” national parks here. So glad we got this! Living in the southwest I often comment that it would be great to have a geologist in the car with us to help. Explain what we’re seeing this is that and so much more. Like the title says it greatly enhances your experience worth every penny don’t question just get this thing and enjoy, thanks to the creators and presenters who are doing a fantastic job and I even recognized a few songs from my Indy catalog. We live nomadically and plan on using this every opportunity we have keep creating and will keep traveling.

Skategeezer66 | 1 year ago | iOS

How long does it take to drive the Scenic Byway 12?

Scenic Byway 12 in Utah stretches from Panguitch to Torrey, covering about 124 miles. Without stops, it usually takes around 2-3 hours, but with scenic stops, expect closer to 4-5 hours. In winter, icy conditions can make it 5-6 hours due to s...

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Is Scenic Byway 12 in Utah worth it?

Yes, Highway 12 in Utah is worth it! Known for incredible scenery, this 124-mile drive takes you through Bryce Canyon, the Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef. You’ll see red rock canyons, mountain forests, and unique spots like the Ho...

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What Makes A Scenic Byway?

A scenic byway is a road chosen for its stunning views, history, or cultural importance. There are about 184 National Scenic Byways in the U.S., and many people rate Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 among their top 5 scenic drives. It’s particularly...

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What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here's how it works:

  • GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
  • Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
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Tour FAQs

Where does the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour go?
This tour has 31 stops. Check out the itinerary here for a complete list of stops and if you’re looking for more information to help plan your trip, here’s what you need to know before you go!
What should I pack for the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour?
Phone chargerPhone mount for carHiking Shoes (if hiking)Water BottleBug SpraySunscreenSunglasses and/or hatSnacksCashAmerica the Beautiful Pass (if visiting National Parks)
What should I budget for the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour?
Moqui Cave entrance fee - $5-$10 per personZion National Park - $35 per vehicleBryce Canyon National Park - $35 per vehicleCapitol Reef National Park - $35 per vehicleKodachrome Basin State Park -  $5 per vehicleEscalante Petrified Forest State Park - $10 per vehicleLodging along route - $100-$300 per night (average)
What are the park hours for the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour?
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.Moqui Cave: 9 AM - 7 PM (closed on Sunday)Red Canyon State Park HoursBryce Canyon City HoursKodachrome Basin State Park HoursEscalante Petrified Forest State Park Hours
Can I join the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour along the tour route?
Yes! The tour has two starting points: Kanab to Torrey (Zion National Park to Capitol Reef National Park) and vice versa. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting.If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.
Can I take the Grand Staircase Escalante & Scenic Byway 12 Tour in the opposite direction?
Yes, the tour goes in 2 directions:North (Torrey) to South (Kanab)South (Kanab) to North (Torrey)
Other Questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Send us an email at aloha@shakaguide.com or give us a call at (808) 201-8138.

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